Designer-centered design — also known as ego-centered design — is still quite popular among many design communities. Designers have been quotes as saying, “What the client sometimes doesn’t understand is the less they talk to us, the better it is. We know what’s best.”

While this may be true in most instances, it is still a group project with many people collaborating to generate traffic, increase sales or establish awareness of a service. Web design is a group effort. Many designers don’t like to admit this, because then their work might be criticized for not quite living up to the idea that the client had. “How dare they question me!” Well, it is their website, and afterall, they are the one that’s going to be paying for your services.

Although there are occasions where a client’s input might be swayed one way or the other for whatever reason, it is typically safe to say that it’s their business and they know what’s best for it. It’s not your job to get listed in every design showcase from California to Timbuktu.

Your job as the designer is to help them communicate.

Do not design web sites just to satisfy your own need to have your back slapped by your design peers. If you satisfy your client’s wishes and communicate their message properly, their business will take off and everyone will be patting your back. Not just other designers.

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